Page 3 of Collide

Cooper’s palms were all sweaty and his heart slammed. Hell, he’d been out here flirting with a woman, after maiming his friend. That pretty much tossed him into asshole territory.

“He’s fine. His ribs are bruised. We have him wrapped and gave him some pain medicine. He’s a little loopy in here. He warned us he gets like that with pain medicine. Are you going to take him home? He can’t drive.”

He nodded his head. Cooper had no clue if Noah had somewhere to stay, but he’d make sure he got him where he needed to be. “Sure. What do I need to know?”

The nurse finished giving him information, and then said she’d be right back with Noah. “Looks like you have plans. I was just getting off work, too.” This time, it was Adrianna who winked at him. Cooper cursed. He definitely could use a few hours with her.

Or a night.

“Sorry. I’m the one who hit him so I feel a little obligated to make sure he’s okay. Are you busy tomorrow?” But then, that wasn’t all it was either. He’d want to catch up with Noah no matter if he’d hit him, or not.

“Work.”

“Day after?”

“Date.”

Cooper didn’t flinch. They weren’t committed and they both knew she wouldn’t stay single forever, and he wouldn’t want to settle down. “Call me if it doesn’t work out.”

“I’m fine. I can walk! See?” Noah’s voice came from behind him.

He looked back to see Noah walking with his arms out like he was trying to prove he could walk a straight line. Coop laughed. “Jesus. You still can’t handle yourself?” he teased. At twelve they’d stolen a few beers from Cooper’s uncle. Halfway through one of them, Noah was toasted. Looked like pain pills affected him the same way. Smiling, he shook his head.

“Not you, too.” He had a big, goofy smile on his face.

“I’ll see you later,” Adrianna told him.

Coop told her goodbye, and grabbed Noah’s arm. He was surprised Noah let him help him to the truck.

“Where you staying?” he asked, as they were in the truck.

“No clue. Just ended up here.” Noah pushed the button so the window went up and down, up and down, like he was eight years old. “Needed to get away. Packed. Ended up in Blackcreek.”

Cooper looked over, trying to read the expression on his old friend’s face. The fact was, he didn’t know him anymore. Didn’t know what the tone of his voice meant or if it meant anything. That honestly made him a little sad. He’d known everything about this man when they were kids.

“I have an extra room. You’re welcome to use it.”

“Don’t know how long I’ll be here.”

“I was planning on renting it out.”

Noah’s head rolled to the side, flopping around as though he couldn’t hold it up. This look he recognized. Noah didn’t believe him.

“I’m not shitting you. Just bought the house. It could use some work, but it’s huge. I can put your ass to work.”

“You don’t know me anymore. You sure you want a stranger in your house?” Noah almost sounded sad when he said that.

“Eh. I’m sure I can still kick your ass. That’s all that matters.”

Noah started playing with the window again. He looked fascinated by the damn thing. Those pills must have really fucked him up. When the window got boring, Noah closed his eyes. He was almost out by the time Cooper pulled up at his house. Noah put his arm around him as Cooper helped him inside. He went straight for the guest room. His old friend was like dead weight, so trying to help him up the stairs wasn’t an easy feat. Noah leaned right out of his arms, and dove into the bed, and then groaned and cursed, before clutching his side.

“Dumbass.” Cooper shook his head. “Where’s your car? I’ll get it towed in and grab your prescription. Don’t think you won’t owe me, though.” Cooper felt this crazy thrill of happiness. It was fun teasing Noah. It always had been.

Noah’s face was in the pillow as he mumbled his answer. Somehow, Cooper managed to understand him.

Cooper walked to the door, but paused there. “Get your ass feeling better. We’ll go out and meet some women,” he joked.

“Nope,” Noah mumbled. “I’m gay.” That easily, he was passed out again. Cooper couldn’t help but laugh. Jesus, the man really couldn’t handle pain pills.

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